Music (B.A.): Composition concentration - J

Music students in the Composition concentration explore “the language of music” – how melody, harmony and rhythm come together to make a piece of music pleasing to the ear – and compose their own music. Through classes in ear training, students learn to write down chords and melodies they hear and to analyze the structure of musical pieces. Students graduate with a B.A. in Music with a concentration in Composition.

Music Programs at NVU-Johnson

The B.A. in Music at NVU-Johnson offers four concentrations in which students can specialize: Composition, Creative Pathways (self-designed program), Instrumental Performance, and Vocal Performance. Students graduate with a B.A. in Music with a concentration in their area of specialization. All programs are designed for students who already have basic proficiency in an instrument or voice; who are interested in advanced training in areas of technique, music theory, music skills, composition, history and style; and who are seriously interested in pursuing advanced degrees or careers in music and the music industry. All concentrations include a senior project or capstone experience designed to help engage the student in thoughtful decision making regarding post-collegiate activities in music. An audition is required for entry to the major and all majors need to demonstrate fundamental proficiency in music before beginning the music theory core.

Learning Outcomes

Graduating students will have:

An understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, texture) and their interaction, and be able to employ this understanding in aural, verbal and visual analyses. As part of this process, students will develop their skills in musical notation and aural dictation.
An understanding of and the ability to read and realize musical notation at sight in both keyboard and the primary instrument (or a secondary instrument if piano is the primary instrument) with fluency, demonstrating both musicianship and proficiency necessary to the student’s chosen concentration.
An understanding of and capability with musical forms, compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces. Students wil use this knowledge and skill in compositional, performance, analytical, scholarly, and pedagogical applications.
Basic knowledge of music history, an acquaintance with a wide selection of musical literature through to the present time, and the ability to place music in historical, cultural and stylistic contexts.
The ability to form and defend value judgments about music, and to communicate musical ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and laypersons related to the practice of the major field in both written and oral contexts, utilizing appropriate musical language/terminology.
Experienced growth in artistry, technical skills and knowledge of repertory (and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory) requisite for artistic self-expression in performing on their primary instrument at a level consistent with the goals and objectives of their chosen concentration in both solo and ensemble contexts through regular solo and ensemble rehearsals and performances of various sizes and nature. Students are expected to combine these attributes with appropriate rehearsal and conducting skills sufficient to work both collaboratively and as a leader on matters of musical interpretation.

Required Core Music Courses (41-42 credits)

MUS 1XXX - Musical Skills I Credit(s): 2
MUS 1231 - Music Theory I Credit(s): 3
The above courses should be taken concurrently.
MUS 1XXX - Musical Skills II Credit(s): 2
MUS 1232 - Music Theory II Credit(s): 3
The above courses should be taken concurrently.
MUS 2XXX - Musical Skills III Credit(s): 2
MUS 2313 - Music Theory III Credit(s): 3
The above courses should be taken concurrently.
MUS 2XXX - Musical Skills IV Credit(s): 2
MUS 2314 - Music Theory IV Credit(s): 3
The above courses should be taken concurrently.
MUS 2160 - Introduction to Technology in Music Credit(s): 2 OR
MUS 3215 - Technology for the Music Classroom Credit(s): 3
MUS 2220 - Music Ensemble (J) Credit(s): 0 or 0.5 or 1 (Credit(s): 4 required) *
MUS 3140 - Arranging/Orchestration Credit(s): 3
MUS 3031 - History of Western Music I Credit(s): 3
MUS 3032 - History of Western Music II Credit(s): 3
MUS 3240 - Applied Music Lessons Credit(s): 1 (6 credits required) (all in one primary instrument and includes a required lab) **
* Enrollment in a Music Ensemble is required of all students for every semester as a music major. Every semester the primary ensemble must be consistent with the student’s primary instrument (e.g., All voice primary students must enroll in a choral ensemble, all classical instrumentalists in Concert Band, all jazz/contemporary instrumentalists in one of the related contemporary ensembles.) There are no limits in secondary ensembles, which are encouraged of all music majors.
** Music majors are automatically enrolled in an MUS 1120L - Applied Music Lesson Lab for 0 credits each semester that they register for Applied Music/Voice Lessons until they complete the requirement.
Note: Enrollment in End-of-Semester Jury Performance, for 0 credits, is required every semester in conjunction with the applied music lessons (with the exception of the first semester of applied instruction).

Composition Concentration

Required Concentration Courses (9 credits)

MUS 3240 - Applied Music Lessons Credit(s): 1 (4 credits required) (four semesters in composition)
MUS 4720 - Senior Recital Credit(s): 2
*In addition to the above courses and under the guidance of an academic advisor, students in the Composition concentration must also complete 3 credits of music electives at the 3000/4000-level.

Total: 50-51 credits

Additional Recommended Courses

Additional Applied Music Lessons in primary instrument and a second instrument (piano highly recommended).
Additional Music Ensembles - All music majors are encouraged to register for more than one music ensemble for their primary instrument and/or for secondary and tertiary experiences.
Students with an interest in jazz-based study are encouraged to take Jazz in American, History of the Blues, Jazz Ensemble, and FYS: Songwriting or FYS: History and Culture of New Orleans.
It is recommended that all music majors take QE: Conducting I to fulfill the “quantitatively enriched” course requirement for Part II of the Quantitative Reasoning Graduation Standard.

Keyboard Proficiency Exam Requirement at NVU-Johnson

The Keyboard Proficiency Exam is required of all Music, Music Education, and Musical Theater majors. All students must pass the specific requirements of the keyboard proficiency examination for their major. The exam is held during the final weeks of each semester on the same day as end-of-semester juries; students may sign up for the exam two weeks prior to that date and should contact their academic advisor for more information.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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